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First look: Windows 8 breaks new ground

Tests of the pre-beta code indicates that Windows 8 represents an aggressive effort by Microsoft to deliver a single OS that runs just about everywhere.

From Computerworld:

The first public beta for Windows 8 is expected to be released in February, but we've been testing pre-beta code in our lab. Our overall impression is that Windows 8 represents an aggressive effort by Microsoft to deliver a single OS that runs just about everywhere and takes on all of Microsoft's key rivals.

There's a tablet edition that targets Apple's iPad, a server edition with virtualization features aimed at VMware, and a smartphone OS to challenge the iPhone and Android markets.